Virtual Farmer Shop Talks Share Crop and Livestock Ideas

By Scout Nelson

Crop and livestock integration is becoming an important topic for farmers who want to improve the use of their land and resources. While the idea offers many benefits, applying it on a farm can sometimes be difficult.

To help farmers learn from one another, University of Minnesota's Virtual Farmer Shop Talks provides a space for open discussion, practical learning, and idea sharing.

These online events will bring together farmers who are interested in integrating crops and livestock into their operations. The sessions will focus on real experiences and practical solutions rather than formal presentations.

Each meeting will begin with a farmer presenting a question to the group. Participants can share their own experiences, ask questions, discuss challenges, and learn from others who have faced similar situations.

The program welcomes farmers at every experience level. Whether a producer has only two years of experience or more than twenty years working with integrated systems, everyone has valuable knowledge and ideas to contribute.

Three sessions are scheduled for November 2026. The first session takes place on November 9, 2026, and focuses on the question, "How can you maximize your row crop ground and pasture to extend the grazing season?" This discussion is pitched by Amber Britz and runs from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. CST.

The second session is scheduled for November 12, 2026. It explores the question, "How do you make annual forages work?" The discussion is pitched by Kelly and Jeremy of Coon Creek Cattle Co. and also takes place from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. CST.

The third session is held on November 13, 2026. Participants discuss "Grazing with virtual fence on others’ land - How to handle infrastructure and logistics?" This session is pitched by Leah Matzke and runs from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. CST.

All sessions are free to attend, and registration provides access to every discussion in the series.

To register, visit: z.umn.edu/ShopTalks.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-minchen-liang-eyeem